what’s the plural of octopus

The three plurals for octopus come from the different ways the English language adopts plurals. Octopi is the oldest plural of octopus, coming from the belief that words of Latin origin should have Latin endings. Octopuses was the next plural, giving the word an English ending to match its adoption as an English word.

Why is octopi incorrect?

While “octopi” has become popular in modern usage, it’s wrong. The letter “i” as a suffix to indicate a plural noun only applies to words with Latin roots, like “cacti” for more than one cactus. But octopus is derived from Greek, so the proper pluralization in this case would be “odes” if it was ever used.

What is a group of octopuses called?

But there is no technically correct term for a group of octopuses. That’s because all of those animals hang out in groups, whereas the octopus is a solitary animal. So it doesn’t need a collective noun. Some people will insist on their own terms.

What is the plural of hippopotamus?

noun. hip·po·pot·a·mus | ˌhi-pə-ˈpä-tə-məs plural hippopotamuses or hippopotami ˌhi-pə-ˈpä-tə-ˌmī , -(ˌ)mē

Why are octopuses not octopi?

This is the least-used ending, even though it may fit the word’s Greek origins best. “Octopodes stems from the belief that because octopus is originally Greek, it should have a Greek ending,” says Merriam-Webster. However, the final option, octopuses, is the preferred plural when speaking and writing in English.

What is Platypus plural?

Answer. The plural of platypus is platypuses. Like most other nouns that end in –s, it takes –es to form the plural.

What’s plural for cactus?

noun. cac·tus | ˈkak-təs plural cacti ˈkak-ˌtī , -(ˌ)tē or cactuses also cactus.

What is Goose plural?

1 goose /ˈguːs/ noun. plural geese /ˈgiːs/

What is Moose plural?

Despite what a certain honking bird whose singular form rhymes with that of “moose” might suggest, the plural of “moose” is not “meese.” It’s just “moose.” One moose, three moose, a herd of moose.

What is a group of skunks called?

For example, a group of skunks is called a stench.

What is a group of sloths called?

A Snuggle of Sloths

As you can see, a “snuggle” of sloths was the resounding winner, which now makes this the most popular term for a group of sloths!

What is a group of jellyfish called?

A group of jellyfish is called a SMACK! Here are more collective nouns for ocean animals you. might not know

What is the plural of walrus?

walrus /ˈwɑːlrəs/ noun. plural walrus or walruses.

What is the correct plural of rhinoceros?

noun. rhi·noc·er·os | rī-ˈnäs-rəs , rə-, -ˈnä-sə- plural rhinoceroses also rhinoceros or rhinoceri rī-ˈnä-sə-ˌrī , rə-

What is the plural form of giraffe?

The plural form of giraffe is giraffes or giraffe.

What is the plural of a fox?

1 fox /ˈfɑːks/ noun. plural foxes.

What is brother plural?

1. Brothers, brethren are plurals of brother.